Combinations of active ingredients, which exhibit insecticidal and acaricidal properties

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to novel active compound combinations having very good insecticidal and acaricidal properties and containing
         (a) cyclic ketoenols having the formula                  
    in which the groups W, X, Y, Z, A, B, D, and G have the meanings given in the disclosure, and   (b) the active compounds (1) to (23) listed in the disclosure.
 
maintaining device useful in producing polyurethane foams.

The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations comprising known cyclic ketoenols on the one hand and other known insecticidally active compounds on the other hand, which combinations are highly suitable for controlling animal pests such as insects and undesired acarids.

It is already known that certain cyclic ketoenols have herbicidal, insecticidal and acaricidal properties. The activity of these substances is good; however, at low application rates it is sometimes unsatisfactory.

Bicyclic 3-aryl-pyrrolidine-2,4-dione derivatives (EP-A-355 599 and EP-A-415 211) and substituted monocyclic 3-aryl-pyrrolidine-2,4-dione derivatives (EP-A-377 893 and EP-A-442 077) with herbicidal, insecticidal or acaricidal action are known.

Also known are polycyclic 3-arylpyrrolidine-2,4-dione derivatives (EP-A-442 073) and 1H-arylpyrrolidine-dione derivatives (EP-A-456 063, EP-A-521 334, EP-A-596 298, EP-A-613 884, EP-A-613 885, WO 95/01358, WO 95/26 954, WO 95/20 572, EP-A-0 668 267, WO 96/25 395, WO 96/35 664, WO 97/01 535, WO 97/02 243, WO 97/36 868, WO 97/43 275, WO 98/05 638, WO 98/06 721, WO 98/25 928, WO 99/16 748, WO 99/24 437, WO 99/43 649, WO 99/48 869 and WO 99/55 673).

Furthermore, it is already known that numerous heterocycles, organotin compounds, benzoylureas and pyrethrods have insecticidal and acaricidal properties (cf. WO 93/22297, WO 93/10083, DE-A-2 641 343, EP-A-347 488, EP-A-210 487, U.S. Pat. No. 3,364,177 and EP-A-234 045). However, the activity of these substances is not always satisfactory.

It has now been found that mixtures of compounds of the formula (I)

in which

-   X represents halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogenoalkyl, halogenoalkoxy     or cyano, -   W, Y and Z independently of one another each represent hydrogen,     halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogenoalkyl, halogenoalkoxy or cyano, -   A represents hydrogen, in each case optionally halogen-substituted     alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, saturated, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, in     which optionally at least one ring atom is replaced by a heteroatom, -   B represents hydrogen or alkyl, -   A and B together with the carbon atom to which they are attached     represent a saturated or unsaturated, unsubstituted or substituted     cycle which optionally contains at least one heteroatom, -   D represents hydrogen or an optionally substituted radical selected     from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl, saturated     cycloalkyl in which optionally one or more ring members are replaced     by heteroatoms, -   A and D together with the atoms to which they are attached represent     a saturated or unsaturated cycle which is unsubstituted or     substituted in the A,D moiety and optionally contains at least one     heteroatom, -   G represents hydrogen (a) or represents one of the groups -    in which     -   E represents a metal ion or an ammonium ion,     -   L represents oxygen or sulphur,     -   M represents oxygen or sulphur,     -   R¹ represents in each case optionally halogen-substituted alkyl,         alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, polyalkoxyalkyl or         optionally halogen-, alkyl- or alkoxy-substituted cycloalkyl         which may be interrupted by at least one heteroatom, in each         case optionally substituted phenyl, phenylalkyl, hetaryl,         phenoxyalkyl or hetaryloxyalkyl,     -   R² represents in each case optionally halogen-substituted alkyl,         alkenyl, alkoxyalkyl, polyalkoxyalkyl or represents in each case         optionally substituted cycloalkyl, phenyl or benzyl,     -   R³ represents optionally halogen-substituted alkyl or optionally         substituted phenyl,     -   R⁴ and R⁵ independently of one another each represent in each         case optionally halogen-substituted alkyl, alkoxy, alkylamino,         dialkylamino, alkylthio, alkenylthio, cycloalkylthio or         represent in each case optionally substituted phenyl, benzyl,         phenoxy or phenylthio and     -   R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another each represent hydrogen,         in each case optionally halogen-substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl,         alkenyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, represents optionally substituted         phenyl, represent optionally substituted benzyl or together with         the N atom to which they are attached represent an optionally         substituted ring which is optionally interrupted by oxygen or         sulphur         and         pyrethroids, preferably -   1. acrinathrin     -   known from EP-A-048 186     -   and/or -   2. alpha-cypermethrin     -   known from EP-A-067 461     -   and/or -   3. betacyfluthrin     known from EP-A-206 149     -   and/or -   4. cyhalothrin     known from DE-A-2 802 962     -   and/or -   5. cypermethrin     known from DE-A-2 326 077     -   and/or -   6. deltamethrin     known from DE-A-2 326 077     -   and/or -   7. esfenvalerate     known from DE-A-2 737 297     -   and/or -   8. ethofenprox     known from DE-A-3 117 510     -   and/or -   9. fenpropathrin     -   known from DE-A-2 231 312     -   and/or -   10. fenvalerate     -   known from DE-A-2 335 347     -   and/or -   11. flucythrinate     -   known from DE-A-2 757 066     -   and/or -   12. lambda-cyhalothrin     known from EP-A-106 469     -   and/or -   13. permethrin     known from DE-A-2 326 077     -   and/or -   14. taufluvalinate     -   known from EP-A-038 617     -   and/or -   15. tralomethrin     -   known from DE-A-2 742 546     -   and/or -   16. zeta-cypermethrin     known from EP-A-026 542     -   and/or -   17. cyfluthrin     known from DE-A-27 09 264     -   and/or -   18. bifenthrin     known from EP-A-049 977     -   and/or -   19. cycloprothrin     -   known from DE-A-2653189     -   and/or -   20. eflusilanate     -   known from DE-A-36 04 781     -   and/or -   21. fubfenprox     -   known from DE-A-37 08 231     -   and/or -   22. pyrethrin     -   R=—CH₃ or —CO₂CH₃     -   R₁=—CH═CH₂ or —CH₃ or —CH₂CH₃     -   known from The Pesticide Manual, 1997, 11th edition, p. 1056     -   and/or -   23. resmethrin     -   known from GB-A-1 168 797         have very good insecticidal and acaricidal properties.

Surprisingly, the insecticidal and acaricidal activity of the active compound combinations according to the invention is considerably higher than the sum of the activities of the individual active compounds. Thus, an unforeseeable real synergistic effect is present, and not just an addition of activities.

In addition to at least one active compound of the formula (I), the active compound combinations according to the invention comprise at least one active compound from among the compounds 1 to 23.

Preference is given to active compound combinations comprising compounds of the formula (I) in which the radicals are as defined below:

-   W preferably represents hydrogen, C₁–C₄-alkyl, C₁–C₄-alkoxy,     chlorine, bromine or fluorine, -   X preferably represents C₁–C₄-alkyl, C₁–C₄-alkoxy,     C₁–C₄-halogenoalkyl, fluorine, chlorine or bromine, -   Y and Z independently of one another each represent hydrogen,     C₁–C₄-alkyl, halogen, C₁–C₄-alkoxy or C₁–C₄-halogenoalkyl, -   A represents hydrogen or in each case optionally halogen-substituted     C₁–C₆-alkyl or C₃–C₈-cycloalkyl, -   B preferably represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, -   A, B and the carbon atom to which they are attached represent     saturated C₃–C₆-cycloalkyl in which optionally one ring member is     replaced by oxygen or sulphur and which is optionally mono- or     disubstituted by C₁–C₄-alkyl, trifluoromethyl or C₁–C₄-alkoxy, -   D preferably represents hydrogen, in each case optionally fluorine-     or chlorine-substituted C₁–C₆-alkyl, C₃–C₄-alkenyl or     C₃–C₆-cycloalkyl, -   A and D together preferably represent in each case optionally     methyl-substituted C₃–C₄-alkanediyl in which optionally one     methylene group is replaced by sulphur. -   G preferably represents hydrogen (a) or represents one of the groups     in particular represents (a), (b), (c) or (g)     -   in which     -   E represents a metal ion or an ammonium ion,     -   L represents oxygen or sulphur and     -   M represents oxygen or sulphur, -   R¹ preferably represents in each case optionally halogen-substituted     C₁–C₁₀-alkyl, C₂–C₁₀-alkenyl, C₁–C₄-alkoxy-C₁–C₄-alkyl,     C₁–C₄-alkylthio-C₁–C₄-alkyl or optionally fluorine-, chlorine-,     C₁–C₄-alkyl or C₁–C₂-alkoxy-substituted C₃–C₆-cycloalkyl,     -   represents optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine-, cyano-,         nitro-, C₁–C₄-alkyl-, C₁–C₄-alkoxy-, trifluoromethyl- or         trifluoromethoxy-substituted phenyl,     -   represents in each case optionally chlorine- or         methyl-substituted pyridyl or thienyl, -   R² preferably represents in each case optionally fluorine- or     chlorine-substituted C₁–C₁₀-alkyl, C₂–C₁₀-alkenyl,     C₁–C₄-alkoxy-C₂–C₄-alkyl,     -   represents optionally methyl- or methoxy-substituted         C₅–C₆-cycloalkyl or     -   represents in each case optionally fluorine-, chlorine-,         bromine-, cyano-, nitro-, C₁–C₄-alkyl, C₁–C₄-alkoxy,         trifluoromethyl- or trifluoromethoxy-substituted phenyl or         benzyl, -   R³ preferably represents optionally fluorine-substituted C₁–C₄-alkyl     or represents optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine-,     C₁–C₄-alkyl, C₁–C₄-alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, cyano     or nitro-substituted phenyl, -   R⁴ preferably represents in each case optionally fluorine- or     chlorine-substituted C₁–C₄-alkyl, C₁–C₄-alkoxy, C₁–C₄-alkylamino,     C₁–C₄-alkylthio or represents in each case optionally fluorine-,     chlorine-, bromine-, nitro-, cyano-, C₁–C₄-alkoxy-,     trifluoromethoxy-, C₁–C₄-alkylthio-, C₁–C₄-halogenoalkylthio-,     C₁–C₄-alkyl- or trifluoromethyl-substituted phenyl, phenoxy or     phenylthio, -   R⁵ preferably represents C₁–C₄-alkoxy or C₁–C₄-thioalkyl, -   R⁶ preferably represents C₁–C₆-alkyl, C₃–C₆-cycloalkyl,     C₁–C₆-alkoxy, C₃–C₆-alkenyl, C₁–C₄-alkoxy-C₁–C₄-alkyl, -   R⁷ preferably represents C₁–C₆-alkyl, C₃–C₆-alkenyl or     C₁–C₄-alkoxy-C₁–C₄-alkyl, -   R⁶ and R⁷ together preferably represent an optionally methyl- or     ethyl-substituted C₃–C₆-alkylene radical in which optionally one     carbon atom is replaced by oxygen or sulphur, -   W particularly preferably represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl,     chlorine, bromine or methoxy, -   X particularly preferably represents chlorine, bromine, methyl,     ethyl, propyl, i-propyl, methoxy, ethoxy or trifluoromethyl, -   Y and Z independently of one another each represent hydrogen,     fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, propyl, i-propyl,     trifluoromethyl or methoxy, -   A particularly preferably represents methyl, ethyl, propyl,     i-propyl, butyl, i-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, cyclopropyl,     cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, -   B particularly preferably represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, -   A, B and the carbon atom to which they are attached particularly     preferably represent saturated C₆-cycloalkyl in which optionally one     ring member is replaced by oxygen and which is optionally     monosubstituted by methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy or     butoxy, -   D particularly preferably represents hydrogen, represents methyl,     ethyl, propyl, i-propyl, butyl, i-butyl, allyl, cyclopropyl,     cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, -   A and D together particularly preferably represent optionally     methyl-substituted C₃–C₄-alkanediyl, -   G particularly preferably represents hydrogen (a) or represents one     of the groups -    in which     -   M represents oxygen or sulphur, -   R¹ particularly preferably represents C₁–C₈-alkyl, C₂–C₄-alkenyl,     methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, ethylthiomethyl, cyclopropyl,     cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl,     -   represents optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine-, cyano-,         nitro-, methyl-, ethyl-, methoxy-, trifluoromethyl- or         trifluoromethoxy-substituted phenyl,     -   represents in each case optionally chlorine- or         methyl-substituted pyridyl or thienyl, -   R² particularly preferably represents C₁–C₈-alkyl, C₂–C₄-alkenyl,     methoxyethyl, ethoxyethyl or represents phenyl or benzyl, -   R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another particularly preferably     represent methyl or ethyl or together represent a C₅-alkylene     radical in which the C₃-methylene group is replaced by oxygen. -   W very particularly preferably represents hydrogen or methyl, -   X very particularly preferably represents chlorine, bromine or     methyl, -   Y and Z independently of one another each very particularly     preferably represent hydrogen, chlorine, bromine or methyl, -   A, B and the carbon atom to which they are attached very     particularly preferably represent saturated C₆-cycloalkyl in which     optionally one ring member is replaced by oxygen and which is     optionally monosubstituted by methyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy or     butoxy, -   D very particularly preferably represents hydrogen, -   G very particularly preferably represents hydrogen (a) or represents     one of the groups -    in which -   M represents oxygen or sulphur, -   R¹ very particularly preferably represents C₁–C₈-alkyl,     C₂–C₄-alkenyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, ethylmethylthio,     cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or     -   represents optionally fluorine-, chlorine-, bromine-, methyl-,         methoxy-, trifluoromethyl-, trifluoromethoxy-, cyano- or         nitro-substituted phenyl,     -   represents in each case optionally chlorine- or         methyl-substituted pyridyl or thienyl, -   R² very particularly preferably represents C₁–C₈-alkyl,     C₂–C₄-alkenyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxyethyl, phenyl or benzyl, -   R⁶ and R⁷ independently of one another each very particularly     preferably represent methyl, ethyl or together represent a     C₅-alkylene radical in which the C₃-methylene group is replaced by     oxygen.

Particular preference is given to active compound combinations comprising the following compounds of the formula (I)

(I)

Example No. W X Y Z R G m.p. ° C. I-1 H Br 5-CH₃ H OCH₃ CO-i-C₃H₇ 122 I-2 H Br 5-CH₃ H OCH₃ CO₂—C₂H₅ 140–142 I-3 H CH₃ 5-CH₃ H OCH₃ H >220 I-4 H CH₃ 5-CH₃ H OCH₃ CO₂—C₂H₅ 128 I-5 CH₃ CH₃ 3-Br H OCH₃ H >220 I-6 CH₃ CH₃ 3-Cl H OCH₃ H 219 I-7 H Br 4-CH₃ 5-CH₃ OCH₃ CO-i-C₃H₇ 217 I-8 H CH₃ 4-Cl 5-CH₃ OCH₃ CO₂C₂H₅ 162 I-9 H CH₃ 4-CH₃ 5-CH₃ OCH₃

oil I-10 CH₃ CH₃ 3-CH₃ 4-CH₃ OCH₃ H >220 I-11 H CH₃ 5-CH₃ H OC₂H₅

oil I-12 CH₃ CH₃ 3-Br H OC₂H₅ CO-i-C₃H₇ 212–214 I-13 H CH₃ 4-CH₃ 5-CH₃ OC₂H₅ CO-n-Pr 134 I-14 H CH₃ 4-CH₃ 5-CH₃ OC₂H₅ CO-i-Pr 108 I-15 H CH₃ 4-CH₃ 5-CH₃ OC₂H₅ CO-c-Pr 163 and at least one active compound from among the compounds 1 to 23.

In addition, the active compound combinations may comprise further fungicidally, acaricidally or insecticidally active mixing components.

If the active compounds in the active compound combinations according to the invention are present in certain weight ratios, the synergistic effect is particularly pronounced. However, the weight ratios of the active compounds in the active compound combinations can be varied within a relatively wide range. In general, the combinations according to the invention comprise the active compounds of the formula (I) and the mixing partners in the preferred and particularly preferred mixing ratios stated in the table below:

Particularly Preferred preferred mixing Mixing partner mixing ratio ratio acrinathrin 20:1 to 1:50 10:1 to 1:1 alpha-cypermethrin 50:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:1 betacyfluthrin 50:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:1 cyhalothrin 50:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:1 cypermethrin 50:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:1 deltamethrin 50:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:1 esfenvalerate 50:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:1 etofenprox 10:1 to 1:10  5:1 to 1:5 fenpropathrin 10:1 to 1:10  5:1 to 1:5 fenvalerate 20:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:1 flucythrinate 50:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:1 lambda-cyhalothrin 50:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:1 permethrin 10:1 to 1:10  5:1 to 1:5 tau-fluvalinate 20:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:2 tralomethrin 50:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:1 zeta-cypermethrin 50:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:2 cyfluthrin 50:1 to 1:5  10:1 to 1:1 bifenthrin 10:1 to 1:10 10:1 to 1:1 cycloprothrin 10:1 to 1:10  5:1 to 1:5 eflusilanate 10:1 to 1:10  5:1 to 1:5 fubfenprox 10:1 to 1:10  5:1 to 1:5 pyrethrin 50:1 to 1:10  5:1 to 1:1 resmethrin 50:1 to 1:10  5:1 to 1:1 * The mixing ratios are based on weight ratios. The ratio is to be understood as meaning active compound of the formula (I): Mixing partner

The active compound combinations according to the invention are suitable for controlling animal pests, preferably arthropods and nematodes, in particular insects and arachnids, found in agriculture, in animal health, in forests, in the protection of stored products and materials and in the hygiene sector. They are active against normally sensitive and resistant species, and against all or individual developmental stages. The abovementioned pests include:

From the order of the Isopoda, for example, Oniscus asellus, Armadillidium vulgare, Porcellio scacalc.

From the order of the Diplopoda, for example, Blaniulus guttulatus.

From the order of the Chilopoda, for example, Geophilus carpophagus, Scutigera spp.

From the order of the Symphyla, for example, Scutigerella immaculate.

From the order of the Thysanura, for example, Lepisma saccharina.

From the order of the Collembola, for example, Onychiurus armatus.

From the order of the Orthoptera, for example, Acheta domesticus, Gryllotalpa spp., Locusta migratoria migratorioides, Melanoplus spp., Schistocerca gregaria.

From the order of the Blattaria, for example, Blatta orientalis, Periplaneta americana, Leucophaea maderae, Blatta germanica.

From the order of the Dermaptera, for example, Forficula auricularia.

From the order of the Isoptera, for example, Reticulitermes spp.

From the order of the Phthiraptera, for example, Pediculus humanus corporis, Haematopinus spp., Linognathus spp., Trichodectes spp., Damalinia spp.

From the order of the Thysanoptera, for example, Hercinothrips femoralis, Thrips tabaci, Thrips palmi, Frankliniella occidentalis.

From the order of the Heteroptera, for example, Eurygaster spp., Dysdercus intermedius, Piesma quadrata, Cimex lectularius, Rhodnius prolixus, Triatoma spp.

From the order of the Homoptera, for example, Aleurodes brassicae, Bemisia tabaci, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Aphis gossypii, Brevicoryne brassicae, Cryptomyzus ribis, Aphis fabae, Aphis pomi, Eriosoma lanigerum, Hyalopterus arundinis, Phylloxera vastatrix, Pemphigus spp., Macrosiphum avenae, Myzus spp., Phorodon humuli, Rhopalosiphum padi, Empoasca spp., Euscelis bilobatus, Nephotettix cincticeps, Lecanium corni, Saissetia oleae, Laodelphax striatellus, Nilaparvata lugens, Aonidiella aurantii, Aspidiotus hederae, Pseudococcus spp., Psylla spp.

From the order of the Lepidoptera, for example, Pectinophora gossypiella, Bupalus piniarius, Cheimatobia brumata, Lithocolletis blancardella, Hyponomeuta padella, Plutella xylostella, Malacosoma neustria, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, Lymantria spp., Bucculatrix thurberiella, Phyllocnistis citrella, Agrotis spp., Euxoa spp., Feltia spp., Earias insulana, Heliothis spp., Mamestra brassicae, Panolis flammea, Spodoptera spp., Trichoplusia ni, Carpocapsa pomonella, Pieris spp., Chilo spp., Pyrausta nubilalis, Ephestia kuehniella, Galleria mellonella, Tineola bisselliella, Tinea pellionella, Hofmannophila pseudospretella, Cacoecia podana, Capua reticulana, Choristoneura fumiferana, Clysia ambiguella, Homona magnanima, Tortrix viridana, Cnaphalocerus spp., Oulema oryzae.

From the order of the Coleoptera, for example, Anobium punctatum, Rhizopertha dominica, Bruchidius obtectus, Acanthoscelides obtectus, Hylotrupes bajulus, Agelastica alni, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Phaedon cochleariae, Diabrotica spp., Psylliodes chrysocephala, Epilachna varivestis, Atomaria spp., Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Anthonomus spp., Sitophilus spp., Otiorrhynchus sulcatus, Cosmopolites sordidus, Ceuthorrhynchus assimilis, Hypera postica, Dermestes spp., Trogoderma spp., Anthrenus spp., Attagenus spp., Lyctus spp., Meligethes aeneus, Ptinus spp., Niptus hololeucus, Gibbium psylloides, Tribolium spp., Tenebrio molitor, Agriotes spp., Conoderus spp., Melolontha melolontha, Amphimallon solstitialis, Costelytra zealandica, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus.

From the order of the Hymenoptera, for example, Diprion spp., Hoplocampa spp., Lasius spp., Monomorium pharaonis, Vespa spp.

From the order of the Diptera, for example, Aedes spp., Anopheles spp., Culex spp., Drosophila melanogaster, Musca spp., Fannia spp., Calliphora erythrocephala, Lucilia spp., Chrysomyia spp., Cuterebra spp., Gastrophilus spp., Hyppobosca spp., Stomoxys spp., Oestrus spp., Hypoderma spp., Tabanus spp., Tannia spp., Bibio hortulanus, Oscinella frit, Phorbia spp., Pegomyia hyoscyami, Ceratitis capitata, Dacus oleae, Tipula paludosa, Hylemyia spp., Liriomyza spp.

From the order of the Siphonaptera, for example, Xenopsylla cheopis, Ceratophyllus spp.

From the class of the Arachnida, for example, Scorpio maurus, Latrodectus mactans, Acarus siro, Argas spp., Ornithodoros spp., Dermanyssus gallinae, Eriophyes ribis, Phyllocoptruta oleivora, Boophilus spp., Rhipicephalus spp., Amblyomma spp., Hyalomma spp., Ixodes spp., Psoroptes spp., Chorioptes spp., Sarcoptes spp., Tarsonemus spp., Bryobia praetiosa, Panonychus spp., Tetranychus spp., Hemitarsonemus spp., Brevipalpus spp.

The plant-parasitic nematodes include, for example, Pratylenchus spp., Radopholus similis, Ditylenchus dipsaci, Tylenchulus semipenetrans, Heterodera spp., Globodera spp., Meloidogyne spp., Aphelenchoides spp., Longidorus spp., Xiphinema spp., Trichodorus spp., Bursaphelenchus spp.

The active compound combinations can be converted into the customary formulations such as solutions, emulsions, wettable powders, suspensions, powders, dusts, pastes, soluble powders, granules, suspension-emulsion concentrates, natural and synthetic materials impregnated with active compound, and microencapsulations in polymeric materials.

These formulations are produced in a known manner, for example by mixing the active compounds with extenders, that is, liquid solvents and/or solid carriers, optionally with the use of surfactants, that is, emulsifiers and/or dispersants, and/or foam formers.

If the extender used is water, it is also possible, for example, to use organic solvents as cosolvents. The following are essentially suitable as liquid solvents: aromatics such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatics or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example mineral oil fractions, mineral and vegetable oils, alcohols such as butanol or glycol and their ethers and esters, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such as dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulphoxide, or else water.

Suitable solid carriers are:

for example ammonium salts and ground natural minerals such as kaolins, clays, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth, and ground synthetic materials such as highly-disperse silica, alumina and silicates; suitable solid carriers for granules are: for example crushed and fractionated natural rocks such as calcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite and dolomite, or else synthetic granules of inorganic and organic meals, and granules of organic material such as sawdust, coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks; suitable emulsifiers and/or foam formers are: for example nonionic and anionic emulsifiers such as polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, for example alkylaryl polyglycol ethers, alkylsulphonates, alkyl sulphates, arylsulphonates, or else protein hydrolysates; suitable dispersants are: for example lignin-sulphite waste liquors and methylcellulose.

Tackifiers such as carboxymethylcellulose and natural and synthetic polymers in the form of powders, granules or latices, such as gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate, or else natural phospholipids such as cephalins and lecithins and synthetic phospholipids can be used in the formulations. Other additives can be mineral and vegetable oils.

It is possible to use colorants such as inorganic pigments, for example iron oxide, titanium oxide and Prussian Blue, and organic colorants such alizarin colorants, azo colorants and metal phthalocyanine colorants, and trace nutrients such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

The formulations generally comprise between 0.1 and 95% by weight of active compound, preferably between 0.5 and 90%.

The active compound combinations according to the invention can be present in their commercially available formulations and in the use forms, prepared from these formulations, as a mixture with other active compounds, such as insecticides, attractants, sterilants, bactericides, acaricides, nematicides, fungicides, growth-regulating substances or herbicides. The insecticides include, for example, phosphates, carbamates, carboxylates, chlorinated hydrocarbons, phenylureas and substances produced by microorganisms, inter alia.

Mixtures with other known active compounds such as herbicides or with fertilizers and growth regulators are also possible.

When used as insecticides, the active compound combinations according to the invention can furthermore be present in their commercially available formulations and in the use forms, prepared from these formulations, as a mixture with synergists. Synergists are compounds which increase the action of the active compounds, without it being necessary for the synergist added to be active itself.

The active compound content of the use forms prepared from the commercially available formulations can vary within wide limits. The active compound concentration of the use forms can be from 0.0000001 to 95% by weight of active compound, preferably between 0.0001 and 1% by weight.

The compounds are employed in a customary manner appropriate for the use forms.

When used against hygiene pests and stored-product pests, the active compound combinations are distinguished by an excellent residual action on wood and clay as well as good stability to alkali on limed substrates.

The active compound combinations according to the invention are not only active against plant pests, hygiene pests and stored-product pests, but also, in the veterinary medicine sector, against animal parasites (ectoparasites) such as hard ticks, soft ticks, mange mites, harvest mites, flies (stinging and licking), parasitizing fly larvae, lice, head lice, bird lice and fleas. These parasites include:

From the order of the Anoplurida, for example, Haematopinus spp., Linognathus spp., Pediculus spp., Phtirus spp., Solenopotes spp.

From the order of the Mallophagida and the suborders Amblycerina and Ischnocerina, for example, Trimenopon spp., Menopon spp., Trinoton spp., Bovicola spp., Werneckiella spp., Lepikentron spp., Damalina spp., Trichodectes spp., Felicola spp.

From the order Diptera and the suborders Nematocerina and Brachycerina, for example, Aedes spp., Anopheles spp., Culex spp., Simulium spp., Eusimulium spp., Phlebotomus spp., Lutzomyia spp., Culicoides spp., Chrysops spp., Hybomitra spp., Atylotus spp., Tabanus spp., Haematopota spp., Philipomyia spp., Braula spp., Musca spp., Hydrotaea spp., Stomoxys spp., Haematobia spp., Morellia spp., Fannia spp., Glossina spp., Calliphora spp., Lucilia spp., Chrysomyia spp., Wohlfahrtia spp., Sarcophaga spp., Oestrus spp., Hypoderma spp., Gasterophilus spp., Hippobosca spp., Lipoptena spp., Melophagus spp.

From the order of the Siphonapterida, for example, Pulex spp., Ctenocephalides spp., Xenopsylla spp., Ceratophyllus spp.

From the order of the Heteropterida, for example, Cimex spp., Triatoma spp., Rhodnius spp., Panstrongylus spp.

From the order of the Blattarida, for example, Blatta orientalis, Periplaneta americana, Blattela germanica, Supella spp.

From the subclass of the Acaria (Acarida) and the orders of the Meta- and Mesostigmata, for example, Argas spp., Ornithodorus spp., Otobius spp., Ixodes spp., Amblyomma spp., Boophilus spp., Dermacentor spp., Haemophysalis spp., Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus spp., Dermanyssus spp., Raillietia spp., Pneumonyssus spp., Stemostoma spp., Varroa spp.

From the order of the Actinedida (Prostigmata) and Acaridida (Astigmata), for example, Acarapis spp., Cheyletiella spp., Ornithocheyletia spp., Myobia spp., Psorergates spp., Demodex spp., Trombicula spp., Listrophorus spp., Acarus spp., Tyrophagus spp., Caloglyphus spp., Hypodectes spp., Pterolichus spp., Psoroptes spp., Chorioptes spp., Otodectes spp., Sarcoptes spp., Notoedres spp., Knemidocoptes spp., Cytodites spp., Laminosioptes spp.

The active compound combinations according to the invention are also suitable for controlling arthropods which attack agricultural livestock such as, for example, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, donkeys, camels, buffaloes, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, honey-bees, other domestic animals such as, for example, dogs, cats, caged birds, aquarium fish and so-called experimental animals such as, for example, hamsters, guinea pigs, rats and mice. By controlling these arthropods, cases of death and reductions in productivity (for meat, milk, wool, hides, eggs, honey and the like) should be diminished, so that more economical and simpler animal husbandry is possible by the use of the active compound combinations according to the invention.

The active compound combinations according to the invention are used in the veterinary sector in a known manner by enteral administration in the form of, for example, tablets, capsules, potions, drenches, granules, pastes, boluses, the feed-through method, suppositories, by parenteral administration such as, for example, by injections (intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intravenously, intraperitoneally and the like), implants, by nasal administration, by dermal administration in the form of, for example, immersing or dipping, spraying, pouring-on, spotting-on, washing, dusting, and with the aid of active-compound-comprising moulded articles such as collars, ear tags, tail tags, limb bands, halters, marking devices and the like.

When used for cattle, poultry, domestic animals and the like, the active compound combinations can be applied as formulations (for example powders, emulsions, flowables) comprising the active compounds in an amount of 1 to 80% by weight, either directly or after 100- to 10,000-fold dilution, or they may be used as a chemical dip.

Moreover, it has been found that the active compound combinations according to the invention show a potent insecticidal action against insects which destroy industrial materials.

The following insects may be mentioned by way of example and with preference, but not by way of limitation:

Beetles such as

Hylotrupes bajulus, Chlorophorus pilosis, Anobium punctatum, Xestobium rufovillosum, Ptilinus pecticornis, Dendrobium pertinex, Ernobius mollis, Priobium carpini, Lyctus brunneus, Lyctus africanus, Lyctus planicollis, Lyctus linearis, Lyctus pubescens, Trogoxylon aequale, Minthes rugicollis, Xyleborus spec., Tryptodendron spec., Apate monachus, Bostrychus capucins, Heterobostrychus brunneus, Sinoxylon spec., Dinoderus minutus.

Dermapterans such as

Sirex juvencus, Urocerus gigas, Urocerus gigas taignus, Urocerus augur.

Termites such as

Kalotermes flavicollis, Cryptotermes brevis, Heterotermes indicola, Reticulitermes flavipes, Reticulitermes santonensis, Reticulitermes lucifugus, Mastotermes darwiniensis, Zootermopsis nevadensis, Coptotermes formosanus.

Bristle-tails such as Lepisma saccharina.

Industrial materials in the present context are understood as meaning non-living materials such as, preferably, polymers, adhesives, glues, paper and board, leather, wood, timber products and paints.

The material which is to be protected from insect attack is very particularly preferably wood and timber products.

Wood and timber products which can be protected by the composition according to the invention, or mixtures comprising it, are to be understood as meaning, for example:

Construction timber, wooden beams, railway sleepers, bridge components, jetties, vehicles made of wood, boxes, pallets, containers, telephone poles, wood lagging, windows and doors made of wood, plywood, chipboard, joinery, or timber products which quite generally are used in house construction or building joinery.

The active compound combinations can be used as such, in the form of concentrates or generally customary formulations such as powders, granules, solutions, suspensions, emulsions or pastes.

The abovementioned formulations can be prepared in a manner known per se, for example by mixing the active compounds with at least one solvent or diluent, emulsifier, dispersant and/or binder or fixative, water repellant, if desired desiccants and UV stabilizers, and if desired colorants and pigments and other processing auxiliaries.

The insecticidal compositions or concentrates used for protecting wood and timber products comprise the active compound according to the invention in a concentration of 0.0001 to 95% by weight, in particular 0.001 to 60% by weight.

The amount of composition or concentrate employed depends on the species and the abundance of the insects and on the medium. The optimal quantity to be employed can be determined in each case by test series upon application. In general, however, it will suffice to employ 0.0001 to 20% by weight, preferably 0.001 to 10% by weight, of the active compound, based on the material to be protected.

A suitable solvent and/or diluent is an organochemical solvent or solvent mixture and/or an oily or oil-type organochemical solvent or solvent mixture of low volatility and/or a polar organochemical solvent or solvent mixture and/or water and, if appropriate, an emulsifier and/or wetter.

Organochemical solvents which are preferably employed are oily or oil-type solvents with an evaporation number of above 35 and a flash point of above 30° C., preferably above 45° C. Such oily and oil-type solvents which are insoluble in water and of low volatility and which are used are suitable mineral oils or their aromatic fractions or mineral-oil-containing solvent mixtures, preferably white spirit, petroleum and/or alkylbenzene.

Mineral oils with a boiling range of 170 to 220° C., white spirit with a boiling range of 170 to 220° C., spindle oil with a boiling range of 250 to 350° C., petroleum and aromatics with a boiling range of 160 to 280° C., oil of terpentine, and the like are advantageously used.

In a preferred embodiment, liquid aliphatic hydrocarbons with a boiling range of 180 to 210° C. or high-boiling mixtures of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons with a boiling range of 180 to 220° C. and/or spindle oil and/or monochloronaphthalene, preferably α-monochloronaphthalene are used.

The organic oily or oil-type solvents of low volatility and with an evaporation number of above 35 and a flash point of above 30° C., preferably above 45° C., can be replaced in part by organochemical solvents of high or medium volatility, with the proviso that the solvent mixture also has an evaporation number of above 35 and a flash point of above 30° C., preferably above 45° C., and that the mixture is soluble or emulsifiable in this solvent mixture.

In a preferred embodiment, some of the organochemical solvent or solvent mixture is replaced by an aliphatic polar organochemical solvent or solvent mixture. Aliphatic organochemical solvents which contain hydroxyl and/or ester and/or ether groups are preferably used, such as, for example, glycol ethers, esters or the like.

Organochemical binders used for the purposes of the present invention are the synthetic resins and/or binding drying oils which are known per se and which can be diluted in water and/or dissolved or dispersed or emulsified in the organochemical solvents employed, in particular binders composed of, or comprising, an acrylate resin, a vinyl resin, for example polyvinyl acetate, polyester resin, polycondensation or polyaddition resin, polyurethane resin, alkyd resin or modified alkyd resin, phenol resin, hydrocarbon resin such as indene/coumarone resin, silicone resin, drying vegetable and/or drying oils and/or physically drying binders based on a natural and/or synthetic resin.

The synthetic resin employed as binder can be employed in the form of an emulsion, dispersion or solution. Bitumen or bituminous substances may also be used as binders, in amounts of up to 10% by weight. In addition, colorants, pigments, water repellants, odour-masking agents, and inhibitors or anticorrosive agents and the like, all of which are known per se, can be employed.

In accordance with the invention, the composition or the concentrate preferably comprises, as organochemical binders, at least one alkyd resin or modified alkyd resin and/or a drying vegetable oil. Alkyd resins which are preferably used in accordance with the invention are those with an oil content of over 45% by weight, preferably 50 to 68% by weight.

Some or all of the abovementioned binder can be replaced by a fixative (mixture) or plasticizer (mixture). These additives are intended to prevent volatilization of the active compounds, and also crystallization or precipitation. They preferably replace 0.01 to 30% of the binder (based on 100% of binder employed).

The plasticizers are from the chemical classes of the phthalic esters, such as dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate or benzyl butyl phthalate, phosphoric esters such as tributyl phosphate, adipic esters such as di-(2-ethylhexyl)-adipate, stearates such as butyl stearate or amyl stearate, oleates such as butyl oleate, glycerol ethers or higher-molecular-weight glycol ethers, glycerol esters and p-toluenesulphonic esters.

Fixatives are based chemically on polyvinyl alkyl ethers such as, for example, polyvinyl methyl ether, or ketones such as benzophenone and ethylenebenzophenone.

Other suitable solvents or diluents are, in particular, water, if appropriate as a mixture with one or more of the abovementioned organochemical solvents or diluents, emulsifiers and dispersants.

Particularly effective timber protection is achieved by industrial-scale impregnating processes, for example the vacuum, double-vacuum or pressure processes.

The active compound combinations according to the invention can at the same time be employed for protecting objects which come into contact with saltwater or brackish water, such as hulls, screens, nets, buildings, moorings and signalling systems, against fouling.

Fouling by sessile Oligochaeta, such as Serpulidae, and by shells and species from the Ledamorpha group (goose barnacles), such as various Lepas and Scalpellum species, or by species from the Balanomorpha group (acorn barnacles), such as Balanus or Pollicipes species, increases the frictional drag of ships and, as a consequence, leads to a marked increase in operation costs owing to higher energy consumption and additionally frequent stops in the dry dock.

Apart from fouling by algae, for example Ectocarpus sp. and Ceramium sp., fouling by sessile Entomostraka groups, which come under the generic term Cirripedia (cirriped crustaceans), is of particular importance.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that the active compound combinations according to the invention have an outstanding antifouling action.

Using the active compound combinations according to the invention, allows the use of heavy metals such as, for example, in bis(trialkyltin) sulphides, tri-n-butyltin laurate, tri-n-butyltin chloride, copper(I) oxide, triethyltin chloride, tri-n-butyl(2-phenyl-4-chlorophenoxy)tin, tributyltin oxide, molybdenum disulphide, antimony oxide, polymeric butyl titanate, phenyl-(bispyridine)-bismuth chloride, tri-n-butyltin fluoride, manganese ethylenebisthiocarbamate, zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate, zinc ethylenebisthiocarbamate, zinc salts and copper salts of 2-pyridinethiol 1-oxide, bisdimethyldithiocarbamoylzinc ethylenebisthiocarbamate, zinc oxide, copper(I) ethylene-bisdithiocarbamate, copper thiocyanate, copper naphthenate and tributyltin halides to be dispensed with, or the concentration of these compounds substantially reduced.

If appropriate, the ready-to-use antifouling paints can additionally comprise other active compounds, preferably algicides, fungicides, herbicides, molluscicides, or other antifouling active compounds.

Preferably suitable components in combinations with the antifouling compositions according to the invention are:

algicides such as

2-tert-butylamino-4-cyclopropylamino-6-methylthio-1,3,5-triazine, dichlorophen, diuron, endothal, fentine acetate, isoproturon, methabenzthiazuron, oxyfluorfen, quinoclamine and terbutryn;

fungicides such as

benzo[b]thiophenecarboxylic acid cyclohexylamide S,S-dioxide, dichlofluanid, fluorfolpet, 3-iodo-2-propinyl butylcarbamate, tolylfluanid and azoles such as azaconazole, cyproconazole, epoxyconazole, hexaconazole, metconazole, propiconazole and tebuconazole;

molluscicides such as

fentin acetate, metaldehyde, methiocarb, niclosamid, thiodicarb and trimethacarb;

or conventional antifouling active compounds such as

4,5-dichloro-2-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, diuodomethylparatryl sulphone, 2-(N,N-dimethylthiocarbamoylthio)-5-nitrothiazyl, potassium, copper, sodium and zinc salts of 2-pyridinethiol 1-oxide, pyridine-triphenylborane, tetrabutyldistannoxane, 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-(methylsulphonyl)-pyridine, 2,4,5,6-tetrachloroisophthalonitrile, tetramethylthiuram disulphide and 2,4,6-trichlorophenylmaleiimide.

The antifouling compositions used comprise the active compound combinations according to the invention in a concentration of 0.001 to 50% by weight, in particular 0.01 to 20% by weight.

Moreover, the antifouling compositions according to the invention comprise the customary components such as, for example, those described in Ungerer, Chem. Ind. 1985, 37, 730–732 and Williams, Antifouling Marine Coatings, Noyes, Park Ridge, 1973.

Besides the algicidal, fungicidal, molluscicidal active compounds and insecticidal active compounds according to the invention, antifouling paints comprise, in particular, binders.

Examples of recognized binders are polyvinyl chloride in a solvent system, chlorinated rubber in a solvent system, acrylic resins in a solvent system, in particular in an aqueous system, vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate copolymer systems in the form of aqueous dispersions or in the form of organic solvent systems, butadiene/styrene/acrylonitrile rubbers, drying oils such as linseed oil, resin esters or modified hardened resins in combination with tar or bitumens, asphalt and epoxy compounds, small amounts of chlorine rubber, chlorinated polypropylene and vinyl resins.

If appropriate, paints also comprise inorganic pigments, organic pigments or colorants which are preferably insoluble in salt water. Paints may furthermore comprise materials such as colophonium to allow controlled release of the active compounds. Furthermore, the paints may comprise plasticizers, modifiers which affect the rheological properties and other conventional constituents. The compounds according to the invention or the abovementioned mixtures may also be incorporated into self-polishing antifouling systems.

The active compound combinations are also suitable for controlling animal pests, in particular insects, arachnids and mites, which are found in enclosed spaces such as, for example, dwellings, factory halls, offices, vehicle cabins and the like. They can be employed in domestic insecticide products for controlling these pests. They are active against sensitive and resistant species and against all developmental stages. These pests include:

From the order of the Scorpionidea, for example, Buthus occitanus.

From the order of the Acarina, for example, Argas persicus, Argas reflexus, Bryobia ssp., Dermanyssus gallinae, Glyciphagus domesticus, Ornithodorus moubat, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Trombicula alfreddugesi, Neutrombicula autumnalis, Dermatophagoides pteronissimus, Dermatophagoides forinae.

From the order of the Araneae, for example, Aviculariidae, Araneidae.

From the order of the Opiliones, for example, Pseudoscorpiones chelifer, Pseudoscorpiones cheiridium, Opiliones phalangium.

From the order of the Isopoda, for example, Oniscus asellus, Porcellio scacalc.

From the order of the Diplopoda, for example, Blaniulus guttulatus, Polydesmus spp.

From the order of the Chilopoda, for example, Geophilus spp.

From the order of the Zygentoma, for example, Ctenolepisma spp., Lepisma saccharina, Lepismodes inquilinus.

From the order of the Blattaria, for example, Blatta orientalies, Blattella germanica, Blattella asahinai, Leucophaea maderae, Panchlora spp., Parcoblatta spp., Periplaneta australasiae, Periplaneta americana, Periplaneta brunnea, Periplaneta fuliginosa, Supella longipalpa.

From the order of the Saltatoria, for example, Acheta domesticus.

From the order of the Dermaptera, for example, Forficula auricularia.

From the order of the Isoptera, for example, Kalotermes spp., Reticulitermes spp.

From the order of the Psocoptera, for example, Lepinatus spp., Liposcelis spp.

From the order of the Coleptera, for example, Anthrenus spp., Attagenus spp., Dermestes spp., Latheticus oryzae, Necrobia spp., Ptinus spp., Rhizopertha dominica, Sitophilus granarius, Sitophilus oryzae, Sitophilus zeamais, Stegobium paniceum.

From the order of the Diptera, for example, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes taeniorhynchus, Anopheles spp., Calliphora erythrocephala, Chrysozona pluvialis, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex pipiens, Culex tarsalis, Drosophila spp., Fannia canicularis, Musca domestica, Phlebotomus spp., Sarcophaga carnaria, Simulium spp., Stomoxys calcitrans, Tipula paludosa.

From the order of the Lepidoptera, for example, Achroia grisella, Galleria mellonella, Plodia interpunctella, Tinea cloacella, Tinea pellionella, Tineola bisselliella.

From the order of the Siphonaptera, for example, Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis, Pulex irritans, Tunga penetrans, Xenopsylla cheopis.

From the order of the Hymenoptera, for example, Camponotus herculeanus, Lasius fuliginosus, Lasius niger, Lasius umbratus, Monomorium pharaonis, Paravespula spp., Tetramorium caespitum.

From the order of the Anoplura, for example, Pediculus humanus capitis, Pediculus humanus corporis, Phthirus pubis.

From the order of the Heteroptera, for example, Cimex hemipterus, Cimex lectularius, Rhodinus prolixus, Triatoma infestans.

They are used as aerosols, pressureless spray products, for example pump and atomizer sprays, automatic fogging systems, foggers, foams, gels, evaporator products with evaporator tablets made of cellulose or polymer, liquid evaporators, gel and membrane evaporators, propeller-driven evaporators, energy-free, or passive, evaporation systems, moth papers, moth bags and moth gels, as granules or dusts, in baits for spreading or in bait stations.

According to the invention, it is possible to treat all plants and parts of plants. Plants are to be understood here as meaning all plants and plant populations such as desired and undesired wild plants or crop plants (including naturally occurring crop plants). Crop plants can be plants which can be obtained by conventional breeding and optimization methods or by biotechnological and genetic engineering methods or combinations of these methods, including the transgenic plants and including the plant cultivars which can or cannot be protected by plant breeder's certificates. Parts of plants are to be understood as meaning all above-ground and below-ground parts and organs of plants, such as shoot, leaf, flower and root, examples which may be mentioned being leaves, needles, stems, trunks, flowers, fruit-bodies, fruits and seeds and also roots, tubers and rhizomes. Parts of plants also include harvested plants and vegetative and generative propagation material, for example seedlings, tubers, rhizomes, cuttings and seeds.

The treatment according to the invention of the plants and parts of plants with the active compounds is carried out directly or by action on their environment, habitat or storage area according to customary treatment methods, for example by dipping, spraying, evaporating, atomizing, broadcasting, brushing-on and, in the case of propagation material, in particular in the case of seeds, furthermore by one- or multi-layer coating.

As already mentioned above, it is possible to treat all plants and their parts according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, wild plant species and plant varieties, or those obtained by conventional biological breeding methods, such as crossing or protoplast fusion, and parts thereof, are treated. In a further preferred embodiment, transgenic plants and plant varieties obtained by genetic engineering, if appropriate in combination with conventional methods (Genetically Modified Organisms), and parts thereof are treated. The terms “parts”, “parts of plants” and “plant parts” have been explained above.

Particularly preferably, plants of the plant varieties which are in each case commercially available or in use are treated according to the invention.

Depending on the plant species or plant varieties, their location and growth conditions (soils, climate, vegetation period, diet), the treatment according to the invention may also result in superadditive (“synergistic”) effects. Thus, for example, reduced application rates and/or a widening of the activity spectrum and/or an increase in the activity of the substances and compositions which can be used according to the invention, better plant growth, increased tolerance to high or low temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or to water or soil salt content, increased flowering performance, easier harvesting, accelerated maturation, higher harvest yields, better quality and/or a higher nutritional value of the harvested products, better storage stability and/or processability of the harvested products are possible which exceed the effects which were actually to be expected.

The transgenic plants or plant varieties (i.e. those obtained by genetic engineering) which are preferred and to be treated according to the invention include all plants which, in the genetic modification, received genetic material which imparts particularly advantageous useful traits to these plants. Examples of such traits are better plant growth, increased tolerance to high or low temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or to water or soil salt content, increased flowering performance, easier harvesting, accelerated maturation, higher harvest yields, better quality and/or a higher nutritional value of the harvested products, better storage stability and/or processability of the harvested products. Further and particularly emphasized examples of such properties are a better defence of the plants against animal and microbial pests, such as against insects, mites, phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria and/or viruses, and also increased tolerance of the plants to certain herbicidally active compounds. Examples of transgenic plants which may be mentioned are the important crop plants, such as cereals (wheat, rice), maize, soya beans, potatoes, cotton, oilseed rape and also fruit plants (with the fruits apples, pears, citrus fruits and grapes), and particular emphasis is given to maize, soya beans, potatoes, cotton and oilseed rape. Traits that are particularly emphasized are the increased defence of the plants against insects by toxins formed in the plants, in particular those formed by the genetic material from Bacillus thuringiensis (for example by the genes CryIA(a), CryIA(b), CryIA(c), CryIIA, CryIIIA, CryIIIB2, Cry9c Cry2Ab, Cry3Bb and CryIF and also combinations thereof) (hereinbelow referred to as “Bt plants”). Traits that are furthermore particularly emphasized are the increased tolerance of the plants to certain herbicidally active compounds, for example imidazolinones, sulphonylureas, glyphosate or phosphinotricin (for example the “PAT” gene). The genes in question which impart the desired traits can also be present in combination with one another in the transgenic plants. Examples of “Bt plants” which may be mentioned are maize varieties, cotton varieties, soya bean varieties and potato varieties which are sold under the trade names YIELD GARD® (for example maize, cotton, soya beans), KnockOut® (for example maize), StarLink® (for example maize), Bollgard® (cotton), Nucotn® (cotton) and NewLeaf® (potato). Examples of herbicide-tolerant plants which may be mentioned are maize varieties, cotton varieties and soya bean varieties which are sold under the trade names Roundup Ready® (tolerance to glyphosate, for example maize, cotton, soya bean), Liberty Link® (tolerance to phosphinotricin, for example oilseed rape), IMI® (tolerance to imidazolinones) and STS® (tolerance to sulphonylureas, for example maize). Herbicide-resistant plants (plants bred in a conventional manner for herbicide tolerance) which may be mentioned include the varieties sold under the name Clearfield® (for example maize). Of course, these statements also apply to plant varieties having these or still-to-be-developed genetic traits, which plants will be developed and/or marketed in the future.

The plants listed can be treated according to the invention in a particularly advantageous manner with the active compound mixtures according to the invention. The preferred ranges stated above for the mixtures also apply to the treatment of these plants. Particular emphasis is given to the treatment of plants with the mixtures specifically mentioned in the present text.

The good insecticidal and acaricidal action of the active compound combinations according to the invention can be seen from the examples which follow. While the individual active compounds show weaknesses in their action, the combinations show an action which exceeds a simple sum of actions.

A synergistic effect in insecticides and acaricides is always present when the action of the active compound combinations exceeds the total of the actions of the active compounds when applied individually.

The expected action for a given combination of two active compounds can be calculated as follows, using the formula of S. R. Colby, Weeds 15 (1967), 20–22): If

-   X is the kill rate, expressed as a percentage of the untreated     control, when employing active compound A at an application rate of     m g/ha or in a concentration of m ppm, -   Y is the kill rate, expressed as a percentage of the untreated     control, when employing active compound B at an application rate of     n g/ha or in a concentration of n ppm and -   E is the kill rate, expressed as a percentage of the untreated     control, when employing active compounds A and B at application     rates of m and n g/ha or in a concentration of m and n ppm,     then $E = {X + Y - \frac{X \cdot Y}{100}}$

If the actual insecticidal kill rate exceeds the calculated value, the action of the combination is superadditive, i.e. a synergistic effect is present. In this case, the actually observed kill rate must exceed the value calculated using the above formula for the expected kill rate (E).

After the desired period of time, the kill rate in % is determined. 100% means that all the animals have been killed; 0% means that none of the animals has been killed.

USE EXAMPLES Example A

Aphis gossypii Test

Solvent: 3 parts by weight of dimethylformamide Emulsifier: 1 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amounts of solvent and emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desired concentrations.

Cotton leaves (Gossypium hirsutum) which are heavily infested by the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) are treated by being dipped into the preparation of active compound of the desired concentration.

After the desired period of time, the kill in % is determined. 100% means that all the animals have been killed; 0% means that none of the aphids has been killed. The kill rates that are determined are calculated using Colby formula.

In this test, for example, the following active compound combination according to the present application exhibits a synergistically enhanced activity compared to the active compounds applied individually:

TABLE A Plant-damaging insects Aphis gossypii test Active compound Kill rates in % Active compounds concentration in ppm after 6^(d) Ex. I-10 1.6  0 Known from WO 97/36868 cyfluthrin 1.6 75 known Ex. I-10 + cyfluthrin (1:1) 1.6 + 1.6 found* calc.** according to the invention 95 75 *found = activity found **calc. = activity calculated using Colby's formula

Example B

Myzus Test

Solvent: 3 parts by weight of dimethylformamide Emulsifier: 1 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amounts of solvent and emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desired concentrations.

Cabbage leaves (Brassica oleracea) which are heavily infested by the peach aphid (Myzus persicae) are treated by being dipped into the preparation of active compound of the desired concentration.

After the desired period of time, the kill in % is determined. 100% means that all the animals have been killed; 0% means that none of the animals has been killed. The kill rates determined are calculated using Colby's formula.

In this test, for example, the following active compound combination according to the present application exhibits a synergistically enhanced activity compared to the active compounds applied individually:

TABLE B Plant-damaging insects Myzus test Active compound Kill rates in % Active compounds concentration in ppm after 1^(d) Ex. I-10 1.6  0 known from WO 97/36868 cyfluthrin 1.6 25 known Ex. I-10 + cyfluthrin (1:1) 1.6 + 1.6 found* calc.** according to the invention 65 25 *found = activity found **calc. = activity calculated using Colby's formula

Example C

Critical Concentration Test/Soil Insects—Treatment of Transgenic Plants

Test Insect: Diabrotica balteata—Larvae in Soil

Solvent: 7 parts by weight of acetone Emulsifier: 1 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amounts of solvent, the stated amount of emulsifiers added and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desired concentrations.

The preparation of active compound is poured onto the soil. Here, the concentration of active compound in the preparation is virtually irrelevant, only the amount by weight of active compound per volume unit of soil, which is stated in ppm (mg/l), matters. 0.25 l pots are filled with the soil and allowed to stand at 20° C.

Immediately after preparation, 5 pre-germinated maize corns of the variety YIELD GUARD (trade mark of Monsanto Comp., USA) are placed into each pot. After 2 days, the corresponding test insects are placed into the treated soil. After a further 7 days, the efficacy of the active compound is determined by counting the maize plants that have emerged (1 plant=20% efficacy).

Example D

Heliothis virescens Test—Treatment of Transgenic Plants

Solvent: 7 parts by weight of acetone Emulsifier: 1 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amount of solvent and the stated amount of emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desired concentration.

Soya bean shoots (Glycine max) of the Roundup Ready variety (trade mark of Monsanto Comp. USA) are treated by being dipped into the preparation of active compound of the desired concentration and are populated with the tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens while the leaves are still moist.

After the desired period of time, the kill of the insects is determined. 

1. A composition comprising a mixture of (a) the compound of the formula

and (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of acrinathrin, alpha-cypermethrin, betacyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, fenpropathrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, and cycloprothrin.
 2. A composition according to claim 1 in which compound (b) is cyfluthrin. 